Taking a Breath
Breathing. We all have to do it, but how often do we pay attention to it?
We say: I am breathing. Like it is something that we are doing. Something we are able to do voluntarily, yet it is an involuntary action at the same time. Just like your heart is beating on its own. So breathing is something we are doing, but not doing at the same time.
I want you to become conscious of your breath for at least the time you are reading this article. After getting to the bottom of this page you can go back and live your life just like you did before.
Sit up straight.
Now notice how your breath is feeling right now and take your time to observe.
Does breathing normally feel well-rested and calm or does it feel alert, focused, or even stressed?
Is your inhale longer than your exhale or your exhale longer than your inhale?
Just pay attention to it without modifying anything.
Notice how your mental state and your breath are correlated to each other.
If you got the time I encourage you to take part in a little self-experiment.
1. Breathe normally.
Around three to four seconds in and out.
Do that for about 5 breaths.
2. Then pick a or b:
a. If you have felt very alert before, maybe even stressed, extend your exhale. Breath out slower and longer than you inhale.
b. If you have observed that you were feeling tired or low in energy, extent the inhale instead. Breath in longer and faster than you exhale.
3. Do a. or b. for about 30-60 seconds.
4. Then return back to normal breathing.
Just let you in and exhale flow and observe again.
Did anything change? What did you notice? Do you feel more balanced than before or the complete opposite?
Do you want to know what happened?
Let me try to explain it in a simple way.
When you are inhaling your lungs expand, which means that your heart has less space in your chest. Receptors on your heart recognize the increase of pressure and your brain tells your heart to beat harder and faster.
If you breathe in faster and more frequently it can lead to higher levels of alertness. Chronically breathing too much and focusing on the inhale can lead to a constant feeling of stress or anxiety. So don't overdo it. Breath light to breathe right.
On your exhale the opposite happens. Your lungs deflate, which gives your heart more space. The brain recognizes that through the receptors and gives the command to slow your heart rate down.
Focusing on a longer exhale can lead to more calmness and relaxation, but you also don't want to overdo this either. It is all about finding balance.
Maybe you got something out of this little experiment. It is that simple! Just notice how you feel, pay attention, be conscious and then act.
If you are feeling balanced just breathe in and out naturally, letting your breath flow and enjoy life.
We are breathing. And we talk about it like it is something that we are doing. Just like walking or talking. But is it really the same?
Inspiration:
Course —> 200hr YTT at BodyMindLife
Book —> ‘Breath’ by James Nestor
Book —> ‘The Oxygen Advantage’ by Patrick McKeown